When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Own a remarkable piece of American music history with this circa 1928 Columbia Grafonola Model 130 portable wind-up phonograph. Built during the height of the acoustic recording era, this handsome portable player represents the craftsmanship and innovation that made Columbia one of the world\'s leading phonograph manufacturers.
Finished with Columbia\'s iconic \"Viva-tonal – Like Life Itself\" branding and a striking red interior, this Model 130 is nearly a century old and remains in impressive working condition. The spring-driven motor winds smoothly, the platter rotates properly, and the speed control functions as intended.
Whether you\'re an antique phonograph collector, vintage audio enthusiast, or looking for a stunning display piece with authentic mechanical operation, this Grafonola is an exceptional example that has clearly been well cared for over the decades.
Features
Circa 1928 Columbia Grafonola Model 130
Original portable wind-up phonograph
No electricity required
Original spring-driven motor
Platter rotates smoothly when wound
Functional slow/fast speed adjustment
Original tonearm and reproducer
Original Columbia \"Viva-tonal – Like Life Itself\" graphics
Attractive red interior with excellent presentation
Plays 78 RPM shellac records
Wonderful collector\'s piece or vintage décor display
A Little History
Introduced during the late 1920s, the Columbia Grafonola Model 130 was designed for the booming home entertainment market before radios became commonplace. Powered entirely by a hand-wound spring motor, these portable phonographs played 78 RPM shellac records through an acoustic reproducer and internal horn—requiring no electricity whatsoever.
The \"Viva-tonal\" name was introduced by Columbia following advances in recording technology in the mid-1920s and became one of the company\'s most recognizable trademarks. Today, surviving examples in complete, working condition are increasingly difficult to find, especially those retaining their original graphics and presentation.
Why You\'ll Love It
It\'s not often you find a nearly 100-year-old machine that still performs the job it was built to do. The sound of a spring motor winding, the gentle rotation of the platter, and the craftsmanship of this Columbia Grafonola offer an experience modern electronics simply can\'t replicate. Whether displayed in a music room, office, or antique collection, it\'s a fascinating conversation piece and a tangible connection to the early days of recorded music.
Condition
Pre-owned and in remarkably good condition for its age. The spring motor winds properly and drives the platter smoothly. The speed adjustment responds correctly from slow to fast, and the reproducer and needle are present. The unit was function-tested and operates mechanically as intended.
Please note: This phonograph was engineered specifically for 78 RPM shellac records using steel needles. A brief test was performed using a modern vinyl record, which is not the proper medium for this machine. As expected, the needle tended to slow and skip because modern microgroove vinyl records are incompatible with antique acoustic phonographs and should not be used. For proper operation, this Grafonola should be played only with period-correct 78 RPM shellac records and a fresh steel needle.
Cosmetically, the machine presents exceptionally well. The original Columbia graphics remain vibrant, the red interior retains excellent color, and the case shows only normal wear consistent with nearly a century of careful ownership. Please review all photos as they are part of the description and accurately represent the item\'s condition.
